Southern

Andrew brings to the Panel a science and academic perspective, gained from his knowledge and experience as an Associate Professor in Geophysics at Otago University, specialising in the seismic imaging of offshore geology.

Philip, consultant at Dunedin business advisory firm Polson Higgs, provides secretariat services to the Panel.  

As CEO of Farra Engineering, and a member of Engineering Dunedin's executive committee, Gareth brings to the panel  the perspective of Dunedin's business and in particular engineering communities.

Bridget is a Partner at a Dunedin law firm. She is a founding member of Dunedin Young Professionals, and is heavily involved with the Otago Women Lawyers Society, and the Dunedin Tunnels Trails Trust.  As well as drawing on her wide ranging community networks Bridget represents the youth perspective of Otago.

The YEPT representatives bring an environmental and conservation focus to the Panel. The Trust, which works to preserve the rare and endangered yellow-eyed penguin, including managing penguin habitats along the Otago-Southland Coast. http://www.yellow-eyedpenguin.org.nz/

The South Catlins Trust’s mission is to promote the scenic heritage, environmental and cultural features of South Catlins, and foster the sustainable management of the area’s natural and physical resources for the benefit of the local and wider community.

Kāti Huirapa rūnaka ki Puketeraki engages in activities that affect the long-term well-being and rights of its members as identified in the Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Act (1996).  Dr Ruckstuhl heads the rūnaka’s energy portfolio and researches and writes on mining. The rūnaka is developing a specific policy on oil and gas.

Nigel has over 30 years’ experience in the financial services sector and is currently Chief Executive of Aoraki Development – Timaru Districts Economic Development Agency. He has first-hand experience as a business owner through to various governance roles and involvement with a number of community organisations. He currently serves as a board member on Sport Canterbury, is the Independent Advisory Board Chairman of 100% Pure New Zealand Honey , a Trustee of both the Aoraki MRI Trust and the Aoraki Sports Persons Charitable Trust. A born and bred South Cantabrian he is passionate about the region and doing what he can to make it an even better place to live and do business.

Nigel was appointed to the role of Chief Executive of Southport on 1 October 2017.  He has 23 years’ experience in the port industry and has held positions in commercial, operations and finance at South Port.  Prior to joining South Port, Nigel worked in the Meat and Oil sectors.  Nigel is a Director on the Southland Chamber of Commerce Board, has extensive business and community networks across the Southern Region and reflects these perspectives at the table.